Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
The Jump opens with a chilling promise that freedom is never quite what it seems. At the heart of the story is Donna Brunos, a woman whose love for her imprisoned husband borders on obsession. Convinced that Georgio has been framed for armed robbery, Donna commits to an extraordinary and dangerous plan to break him out of prison. As the plot unfolds, the novel shifts from a story of marital loyalty to something far darker, revealing the brutal reality of the criminal world Donna is stepping into and the unsettling truth about the man she married.

✅ What I Liked:
Martina Cole excels at portraying emotional manipulation and blind devotion. Donna is a compelling protagonist, not because she is admirable, but because she is painfully believable. Her determination, denial and gradual awakening are handled with real psychological weight. The tension builds steadily as the escape plan develops, with plenty of shocking twists that keep the story gripping. Cole’s depiction of crime is raw and unsentimental, and the atmosphere is thick with menace from start to finish.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The bleakness is relentless, and there is very little light to offset the darkness of the narrative. Some readers may find Donna’s repeated justifications frustrating, especially as the truth about Georgio becomes clearer. The violence and emotional cruelty are intense, and the novel does not shy away from uncomfortable territory, which will not suit every reader.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy gritty British crime fiction that focuses as much on psychology as it does on plot, The Jump is well worth picking up. It explores how love can be weaponised and how easily trust can become a trap. Fans of high tension thrillers with morally complex characters will find this a compelling and disturbing read.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Jump is a stark reminder that breaking out does not guarantee freedom. Martina Cole delivers a powerful story about control, deception and the price of misplaced loyalty. It is unsettling, gripping and emotionally draining in the way only the best crime fiction can be, leaving you questioning how far love should ever be allowed to go.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – Dark, disturbing and driven by devastating emotional truths